Elizabeth Lauten: Republican Party adviser resigns after criticising President Obama’s daughters

A COMMUNICATIONS director for a Republican politician has resigned after posting a critical Facebook rant about US President Barack Obama’s daughters.

Elizabeth Lauten, spokeswoman for Congressman Stephen Fincher of Tennessee, wrote a post slamming Malia and Sasha, aged 16 and 13, for looking bored at a public event with their father.

Her resignation follows a weekend of virulent criticism about her diatribe targeting the Obama girls.

The teens had stood beside Obama — looking somewhat bored — as he issued the annual Thanksgiving turkey “pardon”, saving two birds from the dinner table.

The underwhelmed expressions of the sisters sparked mainly amused comment, but Ms Lauten’s remarks were notably more caustic and personal.

Normal teens ... Sasha (centre) and Malia Obama were criticised for their outfits at the annual turkey pardoning event at the White House with their dad. Picture: AP Source: AP

“I get you’re both in those awful teen years, but you’re a part of the First Family — try showing a little class,” she wrote in the now-deleted post.

“Then again, your mother and father don’t respect their positions very much, or the nation for that matter. So I’m guessing you’re coming up a little short in the ‘good role model’ department. Nevertheless, stretch yourself. Rise to the occasion. Act like being in the White House matters to you.”

She added, apparently referring to the girls’ short skirts, “Dress like you deserve respect, not a spot at a bar.”

The kids are all right ... First Lady Michelle Obama leaves the White House with daughters Malia (second from left) and Sasha. Picture: AP Source: AP

Ms Lauten subsequently apologised on Facebook.

“I quickly judged the two young ladies in a way that I would never have wanted to be judged myself as a teenager,” she said.

The disgraced aide also wrote, “After many hours of prayer, talking to my parents, and re-reading my words online I can see more clearly just how hurtful my words were. I’d like to apologise to all of those who I have hurt and offended with my words, and I pledge to lea and grow (and I assure you I have) from this experience.”

US media report relatively little about the private lives of the Obama girls, and personal attacks against a president’s children are considered taboo.